Dispute excessive penalties or deposits withheld when breaking a lease.
Evidence to gather
Strong documentation makes your demand letter harder to ignore.
- Contracts, invoices, or receipts tied to the dispute
- Photos, screenshots, or inspection reports
- A written timeline of events and communication
If they ignore your letter
Be ready to escalate with small claims or a regulatory complaint once your deadline passes.
The Rules They Don't Want You to Know
The Clock is Your Weapon
Most states give landlords 21-30 days to return your deposit or provide an itemized list of deductions. Know your state's deadline.
Document Everything
Photos, videos, inspection reports – evidence is king. Got proof? Use it.
Make Them Show Their Math
They can't just pocket your cash. Demand itemized deductions. No receipts? Demand a full refund.
The Security Deposit Power Play
Many states allow for double or triple damages for bad faith retention. Know the law, and don't be afraid to use it.
Common Lease Breaking Dispute Issues
Our demand letter generator helps you address these typical problems:
- Excessive early termination fee
- Landlord won't mitigate damages
- Deposit forfeited
- Future rent demanded
Lease Breaking Dispute Checklist
Gather these details before you generate your letter:
- Lease early termination clause
- Notice given to landlord
- Landlord's mitigation efforts
How It Works
Describe Your Issue
Tell us about your Lease Breaking Dispute dispute, including dates, amounts, and what happened.
Select Your Location
Choose your state or region so we can include relevant laws and legal citations.
Generate Your Letter
Our AI creates a professional demand letter with proper legal formatting and references.
Send to Recipient
Download your letter and send it via certified mail or email to the other party.
Lease Breaking Dispute Demand Letter by State
Get state-specific legal citations and requirements:
See all 50 states & territories
Similar Security Deposit Issues
Who to Send Your Demand Letter To
Helpful Guides
Tenant Rights by State | 2026 Renter Guide
State-by-state guide to tenant rights including security deposits, repair requirements, and eviction protections.
Landlord-Tenant Rights Playbook | Renter Protection Guide
Complete guide to tenant rights including security deposits, repairs, privacy, and eviction protections.
Common Questions About Lease Breaking Dispute
Do landlords have to try re-renting?
Yes, in most states landlords must mitigate damages by trying to re-rent.
What's a reasonable early termination fee?
Usually 1-2 months rent. Anything excessive may be unenforceable as a penalty.
Ready to Create Your Demand Letter?
Generate a professional lease breaking dispute demand letter in minutes. Our free tool creates legally-formatted letters with relevant consumer protection and contract law references.
Generate Your Demand Letter Now